Historic Fort Snelling 2020

Historic Fort Snelling Revitalization Update

On May 30, 2018, Governor Dayton signed a bonding bill, which includes $15 million for the revitalization of Historic Fort Snelling and $8 million for statewide historic sites asset preservation. MNHS thanks Governor Dayton and the legislature for this critical funding, and is grateful for the broad support received from Minnesotans.

The amount appropriated for Historic Fort Snelling this year is half of what is required for the full revitalization. MNHS will continue to advocate for the remaining $15 million needed. The revitalization plan includes the rehabilitation of a historic cavalry barracks and an ordnance building to create a new visitor center and orientation area; the removal of the current visitor center; landscaping and wayfinding; and new exhibits and programs developed in partnership with community partners.

Support the Historic Fort Snelling Revitalization Project

Vision

The vision of Historic Fort Snelling is to inspire a better future by providing a place to learn, share and connect to all of the complex stories that shape history in Minnesota.

With a human history 10,000 years in the making, the area around Fort Snelling, known as Bdote by the Dakota, is the site of essential stories of our shared past — some well-known, others known by very few.

The Need

Historic Fort Snelling’s buildings and grounds are not serving the public well. The current visitor center is dilapidated and the dramatic blufftop views of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers’ confluence are hidden.

Now is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect Historic Fort Snelling and its stories in meaningful ways with increasingly diverse families, schoolchildren, and tourists worldwide.

Revitalization

We are working to create new ways of drawing Minnesotans and people worldwide to this unique, compelling site.

Once fully funded, the revitalization plan will include the rehabilitation of a historic cavalry barracks and an ordnance building to create a new visitor center and orientation area; the removal of the current visitor center; landscaping and wayfinding; and new exhibits and programs developed in partnership with community partners.

More about this project

Visit

Experience Historic Fort Snelling this summer. Plan ahead to experience signature events such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and World War I weekends. Veterans and active military receive free admission on Memorial Day.